Definition of Yam

1.n. A large, esculent, farinaceous tuber of various climbing plants of the genus Dioscorea; also, the plants themselves. Mostly natives of warm climates. The plants have netted-veined, petioled leaves, and pods with three broad wings. The commonest species is D. sativa, but several others are cultivated.

2.n. Any one of several cultural varieties of the sweet potato.

3.n. A large, esculent, farinaceous tuber of various climbing plants of the genus Dioscorea; also, the plants themselves. Mostly natives of warm climates. The plants have netted-veined, petioled leaves, and pods with three broad wings. The commonest species is D. sativa, but several others are cultivated.

4.n. Any one of several cultural varieties of the sweet potato.

Definition of Yam

1. Noun. (botany) Any climbing vine of the genus ''Dioscorea'' in the Eastern and Western hemispheres, usually cultivated ¹

Definition of Yam

1. a plant having an edible root [n -S]

Medical Definition of Yam

1. A large, esculent, farinaceous tuber of various climbing plants of the genus Dioscorea; also, the plants themselves. Mostly natives of warm climates. The plants have netted-veined, petioled leaves, and pods with three broad wings. The commonest species is D. Sativa, but several others are cultivated. Chinese yam, a plant (Dioscorea Batatas) with a long and slender tuber, hardier than most of the other species. Wild yam. A common plant (Dioscorea villosa) of the Eastern United States, having a hard and knotty rootstock. An orchidaceous plant (Gastrodia sesamoides) of Australia and Tasmania.
Origin: Pg. Inhame, probably from some native name.
Source: Websters Dictionary
(01 Mar 1998)

Yam Pictures

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